This is the Cali & Southwest Colombia chapter from Lonely Planet’s Colombia guidebook.

Andean and African, modern and pre-Columbian, Southwest Colombia is a land of contrasts that stimulates the senses at every opportunity, with some of the best archaeological sites in the country alongside immense biodiversity.

• learn to swivel your hips and boogie in the sweaty salsa joints of Cali
• maps
• soar above the waves amid green mountain scenery while kitesurfing Lago Calima
• transportation
• spend the night stargazing in Colombia’s tiniest desert, the Desierto de la Tatacoa
• restaurants & accommodations

Coverage includes: Cali & around, Parque Nacional Natural (PNN) Farallones de Cali, Pance, Lago Calima, Darién, Cauca & Huila, Popayán, Coconuco, San Agustín, Tierradentro, Desierto de la Tatacoa, Villavieja, Nariño, Pasto, Laguna de la Cocha, Laguna Verde, Ipiales, and Santuario de Las Lajas.